What does the medical community recommend for early detection of breast cancer?
The American Cancer Society and some of the worlds leading health organizations recommend this 3-step early detection program: • Have regular mammograms. Annual mammograms should begin at age 40. Most insurances cover mammograms. • See your doctor for regular annual breast exams. • Practice monthly breast self-examination. Most cases of breast cancer are detected through breast self-exam. How to do breast self-examination Perform the following steps: 1. Observe your breasts in a mirror, looking for any signs of skin retraction or dimpling. 2. Repeat step 1. after placing your hands on your hips and above your head, respectively. 3. Examine each nipple for deformity or discharge. 4. Examine each breast using the palm of your hand and the tip of your fingers, respectively. 5. Examine each breast separately by moving your hand over its surface in circular motion as depicted in the image. The best time to perform breast self-examination is after menstruation, when the breasts are not swoll
